Tag Archives: heforshe

It’s #InternationalWomensDay and how else does one spend it other than to post a bunch of women’s rights quotes?

But how many of us actually understand what a feminist is? It’s not a Women-Above-All mentality, it’s not a Females-Are-Better idea, but it’s a Equal-Rights-For-All thing. It means fighting for both females AND males. It means creating a neutral space where men aren’t superior to women and women aren’t superior to men, a space where gender isn’t even part of the equation.

It’s a struggle, though, for many to understand what “Feminism” means. There are lots of stereotypes and pre-judgments made. the misconceptions really taint the image and idea of being a feminist. The biggest problem is being uneducated about it. Here are the common ones:

1. Only Nasty Women are feminists

First, I’m the nicest person around {and totally humble}, so obviously I can’t be nasty. But, on a serious note, it seems that society has painted a specific photo of what a feminist looks like: a hippie, young girl who doesn’t shave anywhere, sitting in an old beat-up Volkswagen van smoking a joint and picketing outside of big businesses.

WRONG: There are some women who look like that and are feminists, but hey, that’s their style so keep doing you, boo. But there are so many other “feminists” out there: men, women, business people, teachers, scientists, chefs, old, young, completely shaven, and no matter their religion, ethnicity, or lifestyle. There isn’t a set image. And of course, there are some Nasty Women 😉

2. It means you can’t shave

Now here’s the most annoying misconception: true feminists don’t shave their armpits or legs. here’s another classic stereotype: going woolly-mammoth is the only way to prove you’re fighting for women’s rights. I’m pretty sure Emma Watson shaves or the maybe it’s just a lot of Photoshop. Sure if you don’t want to shave, that’s fine, but it isn’t a must-have to fight for equal rights.

WRONG: You can shave. You can take care of your body however you want because that’s the whole damn point of feminism! Feminism is the right to have control over your own body no matter who you are (male, female, transgender, whatevs). Plus, men can shave so we’re back to our circular reasoning.

3. Females can do everything men can do already

Alrighty, well, yes females have come a long way since the start of the civil rights movement, but the fun can’t stop there! Yes, women can “technically” be “anything” they want, but the obstacles are way harder. How many women are politicians compared to men? How many women are in the Armed Forces compared to men?

WRONG: As I said before the idea of feminism is to fight for EVERYONE’S rights: female and male. So females can have the careers men can have, but there is still a stigma associated with some jobs that make it hard for females to do those jobs. And conversely, men have a hard time with some jobs that are considered “female-oriented”, like nursing, or secretarial positions, or artistic jobs. The truth is there isn’t pure gender equality and feminism means fighting for men’s rights, too. And no matter what some politicians say, there is no universal equal pay. Please, don’t shut me out right now. I have actually spoken to women who have been shortchanged in their position compared to their male counterpart.

4. You can’t be “feminine” and a “feminist”

Hmm, okay. So I can’t be a fashionista and fight for equal rights. I can’t wear a dress and fight for those who are treated unfairly. I can’t be afraid of bugs and still fight for those who are told they’re inferior.

WRONG: You can be ANYONE you want to be and fight equality. You can look however you want, sound however you, smell however you want, and have whatever spiritual beliefs you choose.

5. You have to hate men

Well, that’s going to be a problem for my future husband. Awkward.

WRONG: For the millionth time, fighting for female rights subsequently means fighting for male rights. So, feminists actually can’t hate men or else they’re fakes. Feminists work with men and will work with men until there is no division of power. Let’s all just love each other ❤